trochanteric bursitis

Dealing with trochanteric bursitis

Fact Checked

Trochanteric bursitis is defined as swelling of the bursae or sac that is filled with fluid found near the joint at the outside area of the hip known as the greater trochanter. Irritation and inflammation of the bursae causes pain in the hip.

Symptoms of trochanteric bursitis

  • Pain when lying on the affected area
  • Discomfort on the outside part of the hip, thigh or in the buttock
  • Pain when pressing the hip
  • Severe pain when performing activities such as getting up from a deep chair or getting out of a car.
  • Severe pain when climbing stairs
    Dealing with trochanteric bursitis
    Pain on the outside part of the hip, thigh or in the buttock.

Causes

  • Poor posture caused by arthritis of the lumbar spine and scoliosis.
  • Falls onto the hip, striking the hip on an object and prolonged lying on a single side.
  • Stress on the soft tissue caused by poorly or abnormal positioned joint or bone such as arthritis in a joint and differences in length of the legs.
  • Overuse activities or injury to the joints such as running up stairs or climbing and prolonged standing.
  • Surgery on the hip or prosthetic hip implants
  • Conditions such as gout, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease
  • Calcium deposits or bone spurs in the tendons

Treatment

  • Take plenty of rest. Avoid activities that further cause irritation on the area.
  • Apply cold compress on the area on the first 24-48 hours to lessen the swelling and the pain. It will also lessen the inflammation and tenderness of the area. After the ice compress, elevate the area above the level of the heart for proper blood circulation and take a rest.
  • After 48 hours apply warm compress to increase flow of blood in the area, lessen the stiffness and the inflammations. Soak a clean towel in warm water and then apply it directly on the affected area for at least 15-20 minutes a few times every day.
  • Massage the affected area to lessen soreness of the joint and discomforts. It increases blood flow in the area; lessen the stiffness and the swelling. Apply warm oil on the area, massage and apply a pressure on the area for at least 10 minutes. After the massage cover the area with warm towel. Repeat several times every day.
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce the pain and the inflammations.
  • Prescribed steroid injections on the area to lessen the pain and the inflammation.
  • Use crutches or cane to support the area and alleviate the pain while in the healing stage.
  • Seek the help of the physical therapist for some rehabilitation exercises for strength, flexibility and restore range of movement of the affected hip.

FACT CHECK

WebMD – Trochanteric Bursitis: Managing Pain and Promoting Healing

Cleveland Clinic – Trochanteric Bursitis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Medscape – Trochanteric Bursitis: Overview of Symptoms and Management

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